In English grammar, a relative clause is a type of subordinate clause that provides additional information about a noun. It is introduced by a relative pronoun (such as “who,” “which,” or “that”) or a relative adverb (such as “when” or “where”). Relative clauses are commonly used to add descriptive or defining information to a sentence, and they play an essential role in expanding the complexity and richness of English sentences. This article will provide a comprehensive introduction to English relative clauses, including their types, functions, and examples.
Defining Relative Clauses
Defining relative clauses are used to specify or identify the noun they modify. They provide essential information that is necessary for understanding the noun’s meaning. In these clauses, the relative pronouns “who,” “which,” and “that” are commonly used. Consider the following examples:
The girl who is sitting next to me is my sister.
The book that I bought yesterday is really interesting.
The car which is parked in front of the house belongs to my neighbor.
In these sentences, the relative clauses (who is sitting next to me, that I bought yesterday, which is parked in front of the house) define or narrow down the noun (the girl, the book, the car) and help the reader understand which specific girl, book, or car is being referred to.
Non-Defining Relative Clauses
Non-defining relative clauses are used to provide additional, non-essential information about a noun. They give extra details about the noun, but if removed, the main sentence would still make sense. In non-defining relative clauses, commas are used to separate the clause from the main sentence. Consider the following examples:
Mary, who is an accomplished pianist, performed at the concert.
The Taj Mahal, which is located in Agra, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
My brother John, who lives in London, is visiting us next week.
In these sentences, the relative clauses (who is an accomplished pianist, which is located in Agra, who lives in London) provide additional information about the noun (Mary, the Taj Mahal, my brother John) without changing the essential meaning of the main sentence.
Omission of Relative Pronouns
In defining relative clauses, the relative pronoun can sometimes be omitted when it is the object of the clause. This occurs when the pronoun is immediately followed by the verb. Here are some examples:
The woman (who) I met yesterday was very friendly.
The book (that) I’m reading is really captivating.
The restaurant (which) we went to last night had excellent food.
In these sentences, the relative pronouns (who, that, which) can be omitted without affecting the meaning of the sentence.
Relative Adverbs
In addition to relative pronouns, relative adverbs can also introduce relative clauses. These adverbs include “when,” “where,” and “why.” They provide information about time, place, or reason, respectively. Consider the following examples:
I remember the day when I first met him.
This is the place where we used to play as children.
The reason why she left the party early remains unknown.
In these sentences, the relative adverbs (when, where, why) introduce the relative clauses and give more information about the time, place, or reason associated with the main sentence.
Punctuation and Word Order
When using relative clauses, it is important to understand the correct punctuation and word order. In defining relative clauses, no commas are used, and the relative pronoun is essential to the meaning of the sentence. In non-defining relative clauses, commas are used to set off the relative clause from the main sentence. The word order in relative clauses is usually subject-verb-object, similar to regular English sentences.
To summarize, relative clauses are an important component of English grammar that provide additional information about nouns. Defining relative clauses help specify or identify the noun, while non-defining relative clauses provide extra details. Relative pronouns and adverbs are used to introduce these clauses, and correct punctuation and word order are crucial for clear communication. By mastering the use of relative clauses, learners can enhance their English writing and speaking skills, making their sentences more descriptive and precise.
Quick quiz
Exercise 1:
Choose the correct relative pronoun to complete the sentence:
“The boy _ won the competition is my best friend.”
A) who
B) whom
C) whose
D) which
Answer: A) who
Explanation: In this sentence, we need a relative pronoun to introduce the defining relative clause that provides information about the boy. Since the boy is the subject of the relative clause, the correct relative pronoun is “who.” Therefore, the correct answer is A) who.
Example sentence: “The boy who won the competition is my best friend.”
Exercise 2:
Identify the type of relative clause used in the sentence:
“John, who lives in Paris, is a talented artist.”
A) Defining relative clause
B) Non-defining relative clause
Answer: B) Non-defining relative clause
Explanation: In this sentence, the relative clause “who lives in Paris” provides additional information about John but is not essential to understand the main sentence. The use of commas to set off the relative clause indicates that it is non-defining. Therefore, the correct answer is B) Non-defining relative clause.
Example sentence: “John, who lives in Paris, is a talented artist.”
Exercise 3:
Choose the correct relative adverb to complete the sentence:
“I remember the day _ we went to the beach.”
A) which
B) when
C) where
D) why
Answer: B) when
Explanation: In this sentence, we need a relative adverb to introduce the relative clause that provides information about the day. Since we are referring to a specific time, the correct relative adverb is “when.” Therefore, the correct answer is B) when.
Example sentence: “I remember the day when we went to the beach.”
Exercise 4:
Identify the omission of the relative pronoun in the sentence:
“The house (that) she bought is beautiful.”
A) The relative pronoun is omitted.
B) The relative pronoun is necessary.
Answer: A) The relative pronoun is omitted.
Explanation: In this sentence, the relative pronoun “that” can be omitted without affecting the meaning of the sentence. The omission occurs when the pronoun is the object of the relative clause. Therefore, the correct answer is A) The relative pronoun is omitted.
Example sentence: “The house she bought is beautiful.”
Exercise 5:
Choose the correct word order for the relative clause:
“The woman _ I met yesterday was very friendly.”
A) whom
B) who
C) I met
D) met I
Answer: B) who
Explanation: In this sentence, we need the relative pronoun “who” to introduce the relative clause. The correct word order for the relative clause is subject-verb-object, so the correct answer is B) who.
Example sentence: “The woman who I met yesterday was very friendly.”
Exercise 6:
Identify the punctuation used in the relative clause:
“The book, which is a classic, is highly recommended.”
A) No punctuation is used.
B) Commas are used.
C) Parentheses are used.
D) Quotation marks are used.
Answer: B) Commas are used.
Explanation: In this sentence, the relative clause “which is a classic” is set off by commas. This indicates that it is a non-defining relative clause. Therefore, the correct answer is B) Commas are used.
Example sentence: “The book, which is a classic, is highly recommended.”
Exercise 7:
Choose the correct relative pronoun to complete the sentence:
“The car _ is parked in front of the house belongs to my neighbor.”
A) who
B) which
C) that
D) whom
Answer: C) that
Explanation: In this sentence, we need a relative pronoun to introduce the defining relative clause that provides information about the car. Since the car is the subject of the relative clause, the correct relative pronoun is “that.” Therefore, the correct answer is C) that.
Example sentence: “The car that is parked in front of the house belongs to my neighbor.”
Exercise 8:
Identify the type of relative clause used in the sentence:
“The dog that barks loudly is annoying.”
A) Defining relative clause
B) Non-defining relative clause
Answer: A) Defining relative clause
Explanation: In this sentence, the relative clause “that barks loudly” provides essential information about the dog. It helps specify or identify the particular dog being referred to. Therefore, the correct answer is A) Defining relative clause.
Example sentence: “The dog that barks loudly is annoying.”
Exercise 9:
Choose the correct relative adverb to complete the sentence:
“This is the place _ we had our first date.”
A) when
B) where
C) why
D) which
Answer: B) where
Explanation: In this sentence, we need a relative adverb to introduce the relative clause that provides information about the place. Since we are referring to a specific location, the correct relative adverb is “where.” Therefore, the correct answer is B) where.
Example sentence: “This is the place where we had our first date.”
Exercise 10:
Identify the omission of the relative pronoun in the sentence:
“The man (who) I saw yesterday was very tall.”
A) The relative pronoun is omitted.
B) The relative pronoun is necessary.
Answer: B) The relative pronoun is necessary.
Explanation: In this sentence, the relative pronoun “who” is necessary to introduce the relative clause. The clause “who I saw yesterday” provides essential information about the man. Therefore, the correct answer is B) The relative pronoun is necessary.
Example sentence: “The man who I saw yesterday was very tall.”
Originally posted 2023-07-18 22:06:50.